Pocono Medical Center: Faster Lab Results Using Six Sigma and Lean

Case Study - October 2006

Abstract: The Pocono Medical Center initiated a Six Sigma/Lean project to deliver blood test results to doctors earlier in the workday. Within about six weeks, the project team implemented a solution. Doctors began to receive blood test results by 6 a.m. for critical care patients and by 7 a.m. for all other patients. Project results also extend outside of the laboratory, contributing to a decrease in overall patient length of stay for the medical center.

Keywords: Case study; Six Sigma; Lean; Laboratory results; Patient length of stay; DMAIC; Patient flow